In Episode 58 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Malcolm Mitchell, former UGA football standout, NFL Super Bowl Champion, author, and literacy advocate. They discuss his journey from a football-centered childhood in Valdosta, Georgia, to becoming a Super Bowl champion and passionate advocate for literacy. Malcolm shares how faith, family, and key mentors shaped his life, how learning to love reading transformed his future, and why setbacks and injuries opened the door to a deeper purpose beyond sports.

Ep. 58 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(0:25) Promoting literacy for kids

(1:52) Upbringing and early life

(6:11) Faith’s impact

(19:28) College recruitment & experiences

(26:50) Joining a book club

(30:42) NFL stories

(47:00) Share the Magic Foundation & current projects

(51:26) Closing

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In Episode 57 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Quentin Davie, the new Head Football Coach of Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Coach Q’s upbringing and background as a college and professional football player, as well as his experience coaching at the high school level. The conversation also explores his spiritual life and his desire to point young men to Jesus through football. Finally, they examine his transition into this new role and the future of Hebron football.

Ep. 57 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(0:39) Upbringing and athletic background

(7:16) College recruitment process

(15:26) High school & college football career

(22:35) Faith journey

(25:01) NFL Draft disappointment

(32:30) Career after football

(36:13) Stepping into the head coach role

(45:42) Looking ahead to next season

(51:18) Closing

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In Episode 56 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Nashville-based musician and recording artist Garrett Adair. They discuss life in Nashville and the grind of launching a music career in today’s industry, as well as the growing desire for authenticity in a world increasingly shaped by AI-generated music. Garrett also shares insights into his creative process and explains how his faith in Christ is woven into every part of his journey as he writes, records, and tours.

Ep. 56 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(0:34) Life in Nashville & Marriage

(6:26) Crafting a career in music

(17:01) Craving authenticity

(21:19) Embracing vulnerability

(26:50) Garrett’s songwriting process

(34:32) Touring and the music industry

(40:21) Faith and music

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In episode 55 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Anson McMahon, Lead and Planting Pastor of Emmaus Church. They discuss Emmaus’ recent purchase of 31 acres for the construction of their new church home, the steps Anson takes to avoid burnout and protect his family relationships as a pastor, and his personal faith journey and path to ministry.

Ep. 55 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(0:46) Constructing a new church home

(11:11) God’s hand in growth

(18:06) Staying fresh

(20:45) Honoring the Sabbath

(28:12) Guarding against pitfalls

(31:46) Prioritizing family

(37:02) Anson’s testimony

(45:25) Steps to ministry

(57:04) Involvement with InTouch Ministries

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In episode 54 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Joel Cobb and Nick Cornwell, cofounders of H2ALL and Generation U. They discuss the mission of H2ALL and Generation U to address the African water crisis, share their personal backgrounds and journeys, and explore their current operations as well as their vision for the future.

Ep. 54 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(0:36) Founding H2ALL

(10:38) Humanitarian efforts

(13:56) Nick’s background

(21:22) Living with purpose

(31:34) Joel’s background

(35:35) Operations in Africa

(52:00) Vision for the future

(54:53) Closing

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In episode 53 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Sgt. Tim Walker, former Gwinnett County Police officer, current Barrow County Commissioner, and HCA’s Security Supervisor. They discuss his career in law enforcement, his current roles in leadership and service, and the ways faith has guided his life.

Ep. 53 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(0:41) Beginning a political career

(6:14) Campaigns he’s participated in

(8:50) Key initiatives in Barrow County

(12:55) Background and early life

(17:04) Serving as a police officer

(19:44) The role of faith in his life

(21:59) Life as a public figure

(23:14) Looking ahead: future plans

(24:54) Lessons in leadership

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In episode 52 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Brad Christensen, Director of STEM at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Dr. Christensen’s background and expertise in STEM education, how project-based learning is transforming the way STEM is taught at HCA, and how the study of science ultimately points us back to God, the intelligent designer behind it all.

Ep. 52 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(1:19) Brad’s path to HCA

(7:22) The merits of project-based learning

(17:44) Guiding other educators

(19:56) The application of STEM

(23:47) Examples of projects

(35:12) Allowing students to fail

(38:53) HCA’s STEM philosophy

(45:38) Reaching the community

(52:16) How science points to God

(57:18) Closing

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In episode 51 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Autumn Bailey-Ford, a film producer based in the Atlanta area. They discuss the role of a producer in film and television, the business side of the industry, and how Georgia has become a hub for filmmakers. Autumn shares insights into her work on various films, her journey from a challenging childhood to pursuing her filmmaking dreams, and how her faith has shaped her life and career. She also offers valuable advice for young people aspiring to enter the industry.

Ep. 51 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(1:12) The role of a producer

(4:13) Georgia’s booming film industry

(4:58) Discovering the passion for film

(6:28) The business behind movies

(8:22) Working with notable actors

(9:37) Current projects

(11:47) Favorite narrative themes/genres

(13:26) Early career

(15:44) Faith’s impact on career

(20:17) Passion for stories in youth

(21:51) The importance of networking

(23:46) Filming locations

(27:17) Faith journey

(39:24) Advice for aspiring filmmakers

(42:06) Being countercultural

(44:38) Closing

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected]

In episode 50 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Scott Fuller, Vice President of Advancement at Murphy-Harpst, an organization dedicated to the care of Georgia’s at-risk youth in the foster care system. They discuss Murphy-Harpst's mission and history, the programs it offers for vulnerable children and their foster parents, and Scott's personal calling to serve the Lord through this important work.

Ep. 50 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

(0:28) About Murphy-Harpst

(9:13) Financial needs to operate

(12:25) Evolve Initiative

(25:56) Equipping foster families

(29:27) Transitioning out of the program

(33:47) Answering the call

(40:16) Scott’s journey to Murphy-Harpst

(46:32) The trials and joys of ministry

(52:45) Closing

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected].

In episode 49 of the Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Katie Beth Mock and Marco Perez, Hebron Christian Academy’s Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. They discuss their future plans, accomplishments, and experiences at HCA, as well as the people who have significantly impacted their lives. They also share their excitement about stepping into adulthood and offer advice to younger students navigating their high school years.

Ep. 49 Breakdown

(0:00) Introduction

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(0:40) Valedictorian Katie Beth Mock

(0:48) College & career plans

(2:06) Awards & achievements

(2:52) Impactful experiences at HCA

(7:08) Serving at Lions Learning Academy

(10:39) Impacting younger students

(12:42) Stepping out in courage

(13:42) HCA to UGA

(16:21) Impactful leaders

(17:58) Looking ahead to the future

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(21:01) Salutatorian Marco Perez

(21:20) College & career plans

(25:26) Academic & athletic success

(27:51) Senior Retreat

(29:44) Athletic experiences

(31:12) Advice for younger students

(37:02) Impactful leaders

(42:08) Looking ahead to the future

If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at [email protected]